There is an important role for state government to make our community a great place to live. I am running for re-election because I want to continue fighting to improve the quality of life of all residents of the district. I have been fighting to protect children, seniors, and working families and to find practical solutions to the problems that face our communities. I am running for re-election so that I can continue to be a voice for middle class and working families, even when it isn't politically popular.

If elected, what are your top three priorities?

•Good Local Jobs:

Good jobs in our community will make all the difference for families and lift the whole community. That is why I have championed initiatives to bring good, new jobs to our area. My work on the jobs bill provides tax credits to small businesses, one stop career centers, infrastructure investments, and additional support to avoid layoffs and to train new employees.

•Great Public Schools:

Nothing is more important than making sure every child in our community can get a great education. I have fought for and won investments in education from Head Start to our community colleges. We have to make sure our students have a high quality education that includes art, music and sports. This is done by looking at pragmatic revenue policies that increase local aid and reduce fees. It is completely unacceptable that our families in this town have to pay a fee for our children to take the bus or to participate in an extracurricular activity.

•Strong Community Services:

Since my first day as a state representative I have made it a priority to make sure that we have quality community services in the district. That is why I worked to secure a clean, sustainable source of drinking water for the town and to establish the Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center. I also was able to bring in other resources to repair the Central Rail Trail and fight the Asian longhorned beetle.

Quality community services means making the district a livable community and supporting our neighbors. From getting support to the town in the wake of the ice storm to providing tax relief to veterans through the Citizens Soldiers Act, being a state representative means being attentive to the needs of each community in the district.

What do you see are the main differences between you and your opponents and why does that make you the best choice for voters?

First of all, my opponent says that I support the gas tax and that I don't pay federal income tax, neither of which is true. People say plenty of nasty things in politics, when you stand up for working families – even when it isn't popular, as I have – you get used to that. But outright lies are a whole different ball game.

I have a very different approach. I am focused on children and families and on real solutions to the problems our Commonwealth faces. As a former social worker and small business owner I know what it takes to create a job and fight for a family. I am very proud of my record and have delivered for the district. As a legislator I have been extremely responsive to constituent concerns and have made it a priority to provide equal representation to all areas of the district. As someone who lives in town and has children in the public schools, I am in touch with what is going on and understand our community's concerns.

Open statement:

I have spent my entire career fighting for children, youth, and working families—that is why I ran for office in the first place. As your state representative, middle class and working families and their children are always my top priority. I have deep roots in the community and would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, Nov 6.